Career Explorer Computing and maths
Grows with AI
Computer and information research scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 41% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +21.8% by 2035, much faster than average. The work leans on creative vision.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $140,300
- Job growth to 2035
- +21.8%
- Openings a year
- 2,900
- People doing it (2025)
- 38,600
- Usual route in
- Master's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Design computer or information systems or applications
- Coordinate with others to resolve problems
- Assist scientists, scholars, or technical specialists with projects or research
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze data to improve operations
- Assign work to others
- Evaluate project feasibility
What the work looks like
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- More of these jobs, as demand for solutions to complex computing challenges and for developing new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), will support an increased demand for computer and information research scientists.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Materials engineersGrows with AI, Index 61, +7.5%
- Agricultural engineersGrows with AI, Index 66, +6.9%
- Electrical engineersGrows with AI, Index 59, +9.9%
- Marine engineers and naval architectsGrows with AI, Index 51, +6.7%
Also known as: Computer Scientist, Computer Specialist, Control System Computer Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientific Programmer Analyst.
Is this career on your child's list?
Build a free Career Playbook matched to your child, or get a 90-day Action Plan with dated next steps, written for your child by name.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.